Uncategorized

The November 3 midterm elections will have important implications for construction subcontractors and the businesses that perform the specialized work behind America’s construction industry. Changes in congressional control will influence federal construction spending, small-business contracting, workforce availability, labor regulations, tax policy, infrastructure investment, and the regulatory requirements that affect the cost of doing business. For…

A change in congressional control will significantly alter the federal legislative and oversight environment in 2027. Democrats took control of both chambers, they will have greater influence over federal spending, agency oversight, and the legislative agenda. However, a Democratic Congress will not necessarily translate into a Democratic policy agenda. President Trump retains his veto authority,…

A coalition of organizations representing small businesses and entrepreneurs is urging congressional leadership to move quickly on the Taxpayer Assistance and Service (TAS) Act (H.R. 5349), bipartisan legislation intended to modernize the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), improve taxpayer services, strengthen protections against filing fraud, and reduce the administrative burdens facing businesses. In a draft letter…

Ranking Member Velazquez (D-NY) of the House Small Business Committee is raising concerns about the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) decision to eliminate longstanding procedures that provided small businesses with an opportunity to comment on federal policies and regulations affecting their operations. In a letter to SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler, the Ranking Member criticized the agency’s…

A bipartisan effort to address the construction industry’s workforce challenges may be gaining a new path forward through a proposal that would connect workforce training with a construction-sector-specific immigration program. Supporters are exploring whether the CONSTRUCTS Act, currently pending in both the House and Senate, could be paired with a new visa framework that addresses…

EEOC RESCINDS GUIDANCE ON EMPLOYERS’ USE OF ARREST AND CONVICTION RECORDS IN EMPLOYMENT DECISIONS AMAZON PREGNANCY DISCRIMINATION LAWSUIT TESTS FEDERAL ACCOMMODATION REQUIREMENTS What Federal Protections Do Pregnant Workers Currently Receive Under Law? 

The Senate recessed early this week, and our next update will not be distributed until after the midterm elections.

The Senate passed the Protect College Sports Act, which would establish federal standards for college athletes’ name, image, and likeness (NIL) agreements, among other provisions. Majority Leader Thune (R-SD) filed cloture last week on the Ratepayer Protection Act, which would establish a pathway for requiring data centers to pay for energy-grid upgrades needed to accommodate…

The White House announced Friday evening that President Trump intends to rescind approximately $800 million in FY 2026 congressionally appropriated funding, invoking authorities under the Congressional Impoundment Control Act. The targeted funding includes programs supporting immigration services, foreign aid, education, health research, and assistance for minority-owned businesses.  The move involves a relatively untested budget maneuver…

The parties have paused negotiations on a permitting reform bill that would have unfrozen wind and solar projects in exchange for a new, streamlined federal permit review process.  The bill could be revived during the lame duck session.